In the Netherlands town of Weesp, lies a friendly little village called De Hogeweyk. This gated community is specifically designed to offer its residents the freedom to lead normal and independent lives for as long as possible.

Though the 24-hour medical treatment and safeguards for residents may sound like any other nursing home, here the patients are encouraged to have their independence with the appearance of a normal town.

With their lives feeling more normal, patients need less medication, and on average, have a significant increase in life expectancy. With these positive outcomes, the Dutch government is considering building more facilities like De Hogeweyk.